I'm so glad you're here.
Hi! I'm Dr. Marie Johnson
Expert Trauma Psychologist
Dear parent,
If you're reading this, chances are you're worried about your child, and maybe a little worried about whether the person you choose to help them will really understand. I'd like to tell you a bit about who I am and how I got here, so you can decide for yourself.
My Path to
Trauma Psychology
I didn't start out as a psychologist.
I started out as a third-grade teacher. For over a decade, I taught elementary school and worked as a school psychologist, which meant I spent my days in the middle of childhood, watching kids learn, struggle, light up, shut down, and everything in between. I learned more about how children actually work in those years than any textbook could have taught me, and it planted the seed for everything that came next.
Specialized
Trauma Therapy
in Encino
That seed grew into a deep focus on trauma. I completed a one-year internship and two-year postdoctoral fellowship at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (CHLA) where I received intensive training in trauma psychology. I went on to work at CHLA where I specialized in treating children and families impacted by trauma, children with developmental delays, and children in the foster care system. I also trained and supervised interns in trauma-informed care.
I am certified in TF-CBT, an evidence-based therapy considered the gold standard in treating trauma in children and adolescents. I have also completed advanced training in EMDR and am pursuing EMDRIA certification, reflecting my commitment to rigorous professional training and high standards of trauma treatment.
My Therapy Work Today
Today, alongside my private practice, I provide training at Providence St. John's Health Center to the next generation of psychologists.
I love that part of my work too.
Teaching has always been part of who I am, whether it's a child, a parent, or a future clinician sitting across from me.
Partnering With Parents
One thing I want you to know, especially if you're a parent reading this and wondering where you fit into all of it: you are not on the sidelines here. I genuinely love staying connected with parents and caregivers throughout treatment, not as an occasional update, but as real partners. You know your child in ways I never will.
My job is to bring clinical expertise, and together, we help your child heal.
Education & Training
Two-year Postdoctoral Fellowship in Trauma Psychology and Integrated Care, Children's Hospital Los Angeles (APA accredited)
Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), Clinical and School Psychology, James Madison University (APA accredited)
Doctoral Internship with specialization in trauma, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles (APA accredited)
Educational Specialist (Ed.S.), School Psychology, Loyola University Chicago (NASP approved)
Master of Science, Educational Psychology, Loyola University Chicago
Bachelor of Science, Education, Loyola University Chicago
Professional Experience
Psychologist, Providence St. John's Health Center — adolescent mental health services, doctoral intern supervision/training, pre-doctoral practicum coordinator
Psychologist, Children's Hospital Los Angeles — trauma, developmental delays, and foster care-involved children and families, doctoral intern supervision/training
School psychologist and third-grade classroom teacher, 10+ years
Certifications & Specialized Training
Certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), the gold standard treatment for childhood trauma
EMDR trained, EMDRIA certification in process
Certificate, Leadership Education in Neurodevelopmental and Related Disabilities (LEND)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Parent Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT)
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)